 Los Rios River Runners The Basics of Rafting The River Rapids By Richard Chapo. Rafting the river rapids is a major adrenaline rush. If you are going to hit the rapids, you need to know some of the basic language thrown around in the sport.
As with any sport, it helps to have a basic understanding of the tools of the trade, techniques and such. Not only does this help you sound like you know what you are doing, but it actually gives you some insight into the process. Let’s take a look at some of the key components.
 Big River Raft Dry Bag – A dry bag is a waterproof bag you can keep things in on the raft such as wallets, keys and such. Water is going to get all over the boat, so consider yourself warned. Most whitewater rafting companies provide them with trips.
CFS – This abbreviation refers to cubic feet per second, a measure of the speed and ferocity of the current. The more cubic feet of water moving per second, the more aggressive the rapids and, in my humble opinion, the more fun!
Eddie – An eddie is an area where the current stops or heads back up stream. This typically occurs on the down current side of boulders. It can be a good place to collect yourself for the next rapids.
Gradient – This term refers to the general verticality of the river. The higher the gradient, the “steeper” the river is. This higher gradient means faster water and typically a more exhilarating ride.
Hydraulic – Also referred to as a hole or various cuss words, a hydraulic is an area where water is super turbulent and can suck your raft under if sufficient in size. It is typically found at the bottom of a fall or behind a large obstacle where the gradient is high and the CFS is large.
Rapid – This is why you live to whitewater raft. Rapids are turbulent areas of the water which gives the sport its name. You pop in, out, over and every which way through them.
Life-Jacket – A flotation device. Wear them always. Don’t try to be cool. If you get thrown from the raft, which can happen, these will save you. This is particularly true if you smack your head on something.
This short list of terms should give you a head start on enjoying your trip. Get out there and fling yourself down one of Mother Nature’s roller coasters.
Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of journals. Visit us to read more articles about white water rafting.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Local River Rafting Resources Big River Raft Trips
Big
River Rafts provides New Mexico whitewater rafting trips and guided
tours. Whitewater Raft down the Rio Grande River. Enjoy a whitewater
river raft trip down the Rio Grande Gorge. Big River offers whitewater
rafting trips planned to suit your every need. Enjoy relaxing dinner
floats or exciting rapid rides; including delicious picnics. You choose
from mild to wild. Rio Grande River Raft Trips. Rio Grande Gorge.
Half-Day/Full Day Trips. Single Boat Trips. Group Rates.
Cottam's Rio Grande River Trips
Whitewater
rafting Taos New Mexico on the Rio Grande with certified guides and a
company you can trust! Cottam's Rio Grande River Trips take time to
make sure their guests experience the beauty of the canyons and all the
pleasures the river has to offer. Cottam's Rio Grande River Trips
provide both Half & Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Tours.
Epic Kayak
Aren
Sven Rane and Sarah Etta-Jean VanGelder's site for Epic Kayak - Guiding
and instruction. White Water Kayaking, Sea Kayaking & Adventure
Travel. Epic Kayak has been developing a program to teach Chilean
children and adults to become - Safety Kayakers, Video Boaters, Kayak
Instructors, Guides and Photographers on the Rio Futaleufu.
Far Flung Adventures
Whitewater
river rafting trips, scenic river rafting trips and canoe river trips
on the Rio Grande in Big Bend Texas and the Rio Grande and Rio Chama in
New Mexico, the Arkansas River in Colorado, the Salt River in Arizona
and the Rivers of Veracruz Mexico
Los Rios River Runners - Whitewater
Rafting
For
over 22 years, Los Rios River Runners has specialized in rafting the
rivers of northern New Mexico. Nobody knows them as well as
Los Rios
River Runners. Los Rios River Runners threads the most
exciting line
through the rapids and camp in the most beautiful meadows.
Los Rios
River Runners tells you about the geology, the plants, and the birds
and beasts of the canyons. As firelight flickers on the
cliffs and
constellations wheel overhead, Los Rios River Runners shares with you
the lore of the river and local legends. A trip with Los Rios is far
more than a river trip. It’s a journey into another world.
From mild to
wild... They'll take you on a thrilling whitewater plunge, or on a
tranquil float through spectacular scenery. Or on a multi-day
adventure that combines them both. Los Rios River Runners
trips range
from a half day to eight days.
Native Sons Adventures
Great
site for specialized guided wilderness tours of the Rio Grande, Sangre
de Cristos, and other wild and scenic areas of northern New Mexico.
Rafting, Mountain biking, Snowmobiling tours. Native Sons Adventures is
a Taos, New Mexico based outdoor tour company specializing in guided
wilderness tours of the Rio Grande, Sangre de Cristos, and other wild
and scenic areas of northern New Mexico. Native Sons holds full tour
operator permits with the United States Forest Service and the Bureau
of Land Management which allows them to design broad-based tours which
take you from the depths of the Rio Grande Gorge to the heights of New
Mexico's tallest mountain peaks. In addition to whitewater rafting,
mountain biking, and snowmobiling tours, Native Sons Adventures offer a
full service mountain bike rental, shuttle service and repair shop.
Rio Grande River Tours
Cool
River Runner site featuring Pilar Race Course with class 3 rapids at
Sir Albert Falls, The Narrows, Big Rock and Godzilla, serenity and
beauty of Lower Gorge, Rio Grande Gorge, Taos Box with challenging
class 4 rapids.
Wild River Tours of New Mexico, Inc. -
Cerro
Have
a Wild Adventure In The Wild, Wild West With Wild River Tours Of New
Mexico Inc. Experience The Best of: Taos, Angel Fire, Red River,
Questa. Experience the Enchanted Circle of Northern New Mexico on a
driving , hiking, or camping trip. Fully guided tours. Lodging
available.
Source: taoslink.com
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